Some 35 years ago my father gave me his cherished Leica III, which he used extensively whilst being war correspondent during the Rommel campaign in North Africa. I have used it ever since, and now I lend it sometimes to my fotographer son. It has become a family relic.
<p>
The camera is black/chrome, No. 260293, equipped with Summar f5cm 1:2
lens No. 382390. As far as I have been able to investigate, this camera is one of a batch of 400 manufactured in 1937. It is with its original leather case, and I even have the original Users Manuals parts 1 and 2 printed in Oct. and Dec. 1936 respectively.
<p>
My problem is that after decades of use, the pull-out mechanism of the lens is rather worn, it does not arrest properly in the extended position, and the aperture setting is one point out of sync. Otherwise the camera is in excellent working condition.
<p>
So I guess I have two alternatives:
1- Find someone in Chile, where I live, to do a general maintenance/repair of the camera and lens, or
2- Try to find a complete lens in better condition, for replacement.
IS THERE ANYONE WHO DOES ADVANCE INTERCHANGE OF RECONDITIONED LENSES FOR THIS MODEL?
<p>
In your experience, what would you recommend as safest action and best cost/solution?
Leica III maintenance
in Leica and Rangefinders
Posted
Hi,
Some 35 years ago my father gave me his cherished Leica III, which he used extensively whilst being war correspondent during the Rommel campaign in North Africa. I have used it ever since, and now I lend it sometimes to my fotographer son. It has become a family relic.
<p>
The camera is black/chrome, No. 260293, equipped with Summar f5cm 1:2
lens No. 382390. As far as I have been able to investigate, this camera is one of a batch of 400 manufactured in 1937. It is with its original leather case, and I even have the original Users Manuals parts 1 and 2 printed in Oct. and Dec. 1936 respectively.
<p>
My problem is that after decades of use, the pull-out mechanism of the lens is rather worn, it does not arrest properly in the extended position, and the aperture setting is one point out of sync. Otherwise the camera is in excellent working condition.
<p>
So I guess I have two alternatives:
1- Find someone in Chile, where I live, to do a general maintenance/repair of the camera and lens, or
2- Try to find a complete lens in better condition, for replacement.
IS THERE ANYONE WHO DOES ADVANCE INTERCHANGE OF RECONDITIONED LENSES FOR THIS MODEL?
<p>
In your experience, what would you recommend as safest action and best cost/solution?
<p>
Thanks in advance for your guidance!
Best regards,
Bernd Clauss